Ground Meat And Rice

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: American

A hearty one-pot dish combining seasoned ground meat, rice, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and satisfying textures.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground meat
  • 1/2 cup celery
  • 3 to 4 cups water
  • 1 to 2 bouillon cubes
  • 1 small can mushrooms, drained
  • 1/2 cup onion
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups rice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground meat until all pink color is gone.
  2. Add the onions, celery, and bell pepper to the meat.
  3. Stir to mix and sauté the vegetables lightly.
  4. Add water and bouillon cubes, then bring to a simmer.
  5. Simmer about 30 minutes.
  6. Add the rice and drained mushrooms, and continue simmering until the rice is cooked.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra depth. If you have leftover vegetables, such as carrots or peas, feel free to toss them in as well. Adjust the water based on your preferred rice texture; for a firmer rice, use less water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty ground meat and rice dish with a side of Fresh Spinach-Apple Salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also pair it with crusty bread or a light vegetable soup to round out the meal. For added flavor, consider drizzling Buddy'S Barbecue Sauce on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little water to prevent drying out, and warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ground Meat And Rice contains roughly 410 calories, with 26g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (98% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

410 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.1g 52% DV
Total Fat 7.7g 10% DV
Carbs 64.5g 23% DV
Fiber 11.1g 40% DV
Sugar 10.6g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1112.9mg 48% DV
Potassium 1399.3mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 191.2mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 148.8mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 19.7mcg 98% DV
Calcium 143.3mg 11% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the simmering time accordingly and add additional water as needed.

What can I substitute for bouillon cubes?

If you don't have bouillon cubes, you can use homemade broth or stock instead. Just replace the water with an equal amount of broth for enhanced flavor. Alternatively, you can use a teaspoon of salt and some herbs to mimic the flavor of bouillon.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it stores well and can be made in large batches. Just divide it into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing. Reheat as needed for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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